Anti-SAE antibodies in autoimmune myositis: Identification by unlabelled protein immunoprecipitation in an Italian patient cohort

► A non radiolabelled immunoprecipitation for anti-SAE antibody detection was set up. ► The method's specificity was confirmed by immunoblotting on immunoprecipitates. ► Sera from five patients, affected with dermatomyositis, resulted anti-SAE positive. ► Clinical features in anti-SAE positive or negative adult DM patients were compared. ► Anti-SAE positive patients had mainly skin and muscle manifestations.